Leeds Rhinos: RFL defer decision on Rhinos chief Hetherington

A RUGBY league tribunal has concluded its hearing to an allegation of improper conduct by Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington but has deferred its decision.

The 57-year-old Hetherington was charged by the Rugby Football League over comments he made about its investigation into homophobic comments alleged to have been made by Leeds Rhinos full-back Zak Hardaker during a match against St Helens on August 29.

The veteran administrator accused the governing body of carrying out a witch-hunt against Hardaker and claimed it was using the services of a lip-reader in an attempt to prove the case.

The RFL subsequently dropped the case against Hardaker due to insufficient evidence but accused Hetherington of questioning their motivation and integrity and breaching operational rules by “engaging in conduct which is prejudicial to the interests of the game”.

An RFL spokesman announced on Wednesday night that the tribunal had concluded but a decision was being deferred.

Leeds Rhinos’ season was ended in the Super League play-offs when they lost 24-20 at home to Catalan Dragons last month.